Water Company Groningen anticipates a potential financial burden amounting to tens of millions of euros due to necessary adaptations and renewals of drinking water pipelines in areas undergoing reinforcement due to earthquakes. Wim den Hertog from the company stated on RTV Noord that underground pipelines need specific adjustments in these zones.
The government has compensated 5 million euros so far, which suffices for the present but not for future needs. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the National Coordinator Groningen.
The cessation of gas extraction in the Groningen field on April 19 last year has not halted subsidence and earthquakes, which are expected to continue. If no additional funds are provided, water prices may increase.
Previously, a minor price hike of 30 euros per 100,000 liters was announced, but Den Hertog insists residents should not bear costs for earthquake-related damages. Municipalities in Groningen, along with the province, are shareholders in the water company.
The Westerkwartier municipality has expressed that shareholders should prevent passing the reinforcement costs to residents. Den Hertog remains hopeful about future funding.
Source: NOS